House Bill 291 Summary

• Establishes the Opportunities for Diversity in Contracting (ODC) Program administered by the Mississippi Development Authority to increase state contracting with socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses with net worth not exceeding $750,000.

• Requires each state agency to appoint an ODC compliance officer responsible for monitoring program compliance, analyzing spending on ODC vendors, tracking expenditures, and reporting quarterly to the MDA.

• Mandates state agencies include contract language prohibiting discriminatory employment practices, certifying compliance with fair labor laws, and encouraging use of certified ODC vendors as subcontractors.

• Requires MDA to establish procurement goals for agencies based on ODC business availability across four categories: construction/architecture/engineering, professional services, goods and services, and information technology services.

• Amends Mississippi Code Section 31-7-13 to require use of a point system established under the ODC Act when determining lowest and best bidders for purchases over $5,000.